Tiger Woods withdraws from US Open

Tiger Woods has decided to withdraw from playing at this year’s US Open at Pinehurst after continuing his recovery from back surgery

Tiger Woods has decided to withdraw from playing in this year’s US Open at Pinehurst in June.

Tiger Woods underwent microdiscectomy surgery for a pinched nerve in his back in March. The current number 3 world ranking golfer has said that he is still unable to hit full shots.

Announcing his withdrawal from the tournament on his website, Woods said: “Unfortunately, I won’t be there because I’m not yet physically able to play competitive golf.

“I’d like to convey my regrets to the USGA leadership, the volunteers and the fans that I won’t be at Pinehurst.”

2014 has not seen Woods compete since the WGC-Cadillac Championship in early March where the 38 year old finished in 25^th place.

The back surgery also caused Woods to miss the Masters for the first time in his professional career.

Since winning his 14^th major in 2008, Woods has missed sixth majors with knee surgery following the 2008 US Open.

This led to an eight month lay-off which in turn made Woods miss the Open and PGA Championships.

2011 also saw Woods miss the US Open and Open Championship due to knee and achilles injuries.

Australia’s Adam Scott recently replaced Woods as world number one, casting doubt on whether Woods can break Jack Nicklaus’s record of winning 18 major titles.

Woods however has put any doubt to rest, declaring: "The only doubts I had were prior to the surgery. I couldn't function any more.

"I've had knee surgeries in the past and, yeah, I was hurting going into it, but I was functioning. Right before this surgery I couldn't do much. Forget about playing golf at the highest level - I couldn't get out of bed.”

Jack Nicklaus, ahead of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield on May 29, said: "I've said many times, he's got a little over 40 tournaments to play the major championships, he's only got to win five to pass my record.

"As good a player as he is, I don't think that should be a big deal. Then again, he's got to do it. Plus he's got to be healthy to be able to do it."

Woods, despite not playing in this year’s US Open, has said that he remains very optimistic about future events this year.